Mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis Urges Youth to Embrace Christ, Not Algorithms

New York City, June 3, 2025: Antonia Acutis, the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, addressed a packed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on May 29, sharing her son’s enduring legacy and his relevance for youth navigating the digital age.

Carlo Acutis, a tech-savvy teenager who died of cancer at age 15 in 2006, was widely known for his deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and his prudent use of technology. In May 2024, the late Pope Francis recognised a miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession, and his canonisation was scheduled for April 27 this year. However, the Pope’s passing led to a temporary postponement of the ceremony.

Speaking to the National Catholic Register’s Sabrina Ferrisi after her talk, Antonia discussed Carlo’s views on modern challenges faced by young people related to technology and faith. She affirmed that artificial intelligence and the internet, while powerful, present both opportunities and risks. “Artificial intelligence is a means,” she said. “If man uses it for good, it can become a valuable resource.” She also stressed that a life rooted in Christ empowers people to use technology without fear, helping them resist its potential for harm.

Antonia described Carlo as a “work of God”, through whom the Lord continues to call young people to holiness. She urged parents and mentors to nurture the unique gifts of youth, saying, “Young people are like Stradivarius violins, and we adults must learn to play them well.” She called for fostering a sense of identity, dignity, and purpose in the next generation, teaching them that they are infinitely loved by God and made in His image and likeness. She also emphasised that young people must always remember their "Creator".

Addressing the distractions of modern digital life, Antonia cautioned the youth against becoming “puppets” manipulated by algorithms and fleeting trends. Drawing on the character Mangiafuoco from Pinocchio, she urged them to cultivate critical thinking through prayer, study, dialogue with adults, and participation in the sacraments, which she described as “the medicine for immortality”.

Reflecting on death and eternity, Antonia echoed her son’s words: “Every minute that passes is one minute less that we have to sanctify ourselves.” She said Carlo never feared death but saw it as a passage to true life. “He always kept in mind that life is transitory and can end at any moment. It must not be wasted on things that do not please God," Antonia said.

With Carlo’s image now seen on T-shirts worldwide, Antonia acknowledged his growing influence. “He is a friend to young people,” she said. However, she stressed that what holds more importance is helping the youth understand their own call to holiness. “Carlo, in his ordinariness, transformed his life into something extraordinary because Christ was always at the centre of his life", Antonia said.

Antonia's message to the faithful — especially youth — was clear: holiness is possible, technology is a tool, and Christ remains the path to true victory.

Source: National Catholic Register

Featured Image Credits: http://www.carloacutis.com | Antoine Mekary/ALETEIA